Can You Help My Picky Dog?

Is your dog the world’s pickiest eater? Does it seem like every time you offer a healthy treat or new food she turns her nose up and refuses to eat anything but junk food? If so, you’re not alone. Many dogs appear to “like what they like,” oblivious to whether what they’re eating is healthy or not. Now that I think about it, our dogs dining habits are awfully similar to their pet parents. Chocolate or carrots? Pizza or peas? Would you prefer cake or kale? Science (and common sense) can answer those questions. That’s because both human and dog food preferences are based in biology.

When we were developing our food and treats we were focused on not only the health benefits but also making something your dog would LOVE. It doesn’t matter if you make the greatest, healthiest, dog food ever if no dog wants to go near it.

We recently surveyed Wild Earth pet parents and found that nearly 92% of their dogs like the taste of Wild Earth! That’s fantastic! But, it’s not 100% - and the reality is no food will reach 100%, because just like us different dogs have different tastes.

Ok, so what is some of the science behind picky eaters - what can you do about it?

Picky Puppyhood

The reason we often opt for comfort foods, and so do our dogs, is mainly due to two physiological processes. The first has to do with the foods we fed during puppyhood (or were given as children by our parents). The more diversity of foods, tastes and textures we expose our puppies to, the more we tap into their natural instincts as opportunistic scavengers. Numerous studies have shown that puppies exposed to a variety of foods, especially after weaning and up to around six to eight months of age, more readily accept a multitude of foods throughout life. Some research even concludes that if a mother dog eats a variety of foods during pregnancy and nursing, her pups may have more adventurous tastes. If your pooch is picky, blame it on puppyhood.

Survival of the Sugary

The other physiological reason our dogs go for junk food is often related to a food’s caloric density. Dogs (and humans) evolved to favor foods rich in quick energy, especially simple sugars and fats. This is one of the main reasons why “high calorie junk food dog foods” almost always win in taste challenges. Dogs love fatty, sugary foods because millions of years of evolution have made them prefer it. Quick hits of energy are more likely to help a dog survive a dinosaur attack than munching on healthy veggies. Today’s dogs don’t face dino attacks, but they do face a long life of crippling arthritis, diabetes, and cancer caused by obesity. It’s our responsibility as good pet parents to make healthy diet choices for dogs, including a plant-based high-protein food such as our own Wild Earth.

Make Sure It’s Not Medical

Sick dogs often display picky feeding behaviors. It’s not that they don’t want to eat the food, it’s that it may make them feel bad. If your dog suddenly acts “picky” for more than three days, check with your veterinarian. Gastrointestinal issues and nausea, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, and liver and kidney disorders are just a few medical conditions that can cause your dog to reject its current food or treats. Oral and nasal conditions, periodontal disease, and behavioral issues can also cause changes in appetite and feeding. Older dogs may have metabolic adjustments that change their appetite, or may develop hormonal imbalances or conditions that need to be treated.

Six Steps to Help your Picky Dog

Make sure it’s not medical. If your dog appears weak, vomits, has diarrhea, or acts unusual, seek veterinary help immediately.

Be patient: If your dog refuses to eat a meal, don’t panic. Continue feeding the same foods (or treats) for at least three days before changing, unless your dog acts sick, then check in with your vet. Some dogs will exhibit seasonal fluctuations in feeding behaviors, eating less in hot weather and more when it’s chilly.

Change the texture and aroma. Try adding warm water to the kibble and soften the food. Warmth and water can enhance the aromatics of the food, often enticing a picky pooch.

Stick to a feeding plan. Some dogs need a refresher course in when it’s time to eat. Try to feed your dog at the same time two or three times a day. After 30 minutes, remove any uneaten food. Dogs thrive on regimen and schedules; sometimes they just need a little nudge.

No treats. Many picky eaters will hold out for treats; don’t give in. Just like you’d prefer cake over kale, you have to make healthy choices for a long, vibrant life. Don’t allow your dog to become a “junk food junkie.”

Toppers for taste. If you’ve made it this far and your healthy dog still isn’t digging your fine fare, try adding a nutritious food topper such as warm sweet potatoes (my favorite) or canned pumpkin. Dark leafy vegetables can be diced as an appetizer along with sliced zucchini and cucumbers. Baby carrots can jumpstart an appetite along with apple slices and berries. Go easy on any fruits because of the relatively high calories from the natural sugars.

Finally, don’t hesitate to offer your dog a variety of fruits and veggie snacks. It’s important to introduce new tastes and sensations to your dog throughout its life. You never know when you'll need to change her diet due to a medical condition, life stage, or pet food recall. You may also decide our complete-and-balanced high-protein plant-based dog food is the healthiest option for your dog, too!

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